Yumiko Tanaka, Tsugaju Tsuruzawa, Sansuzu Tsuruzawa, Takanosuke Takemoto

October 12 (Mon, Holiday)

“Gidayū Shamisen NEXT ~Even If We’re Separated, Until the End~”

This live performance marks the reunion, after 30 years, of two Gidayū shamisen players—Tsugaju Tsuruzawa (Living National Treasure) and Yumiko Tanaka (Yumi Tsuruzawa)—both disciples of Takemoto Komanosuke, a Living National Treasure of Gidayū-bushi. ?

The “Gidayu Shamisen” is the accompanying instrument for “Gidayu-bushi,” a narrative musical form performed in Kabuki and Bunraku. This concert offers a rich variety of performances—from classical Gidayu-bushi to new works adapted from classical pieces,using AI (featuring rap), contemporary music played on the Gidayu shamisen, improvised music, and entertaining performance-style trick playing—ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

[Time] Doors open at 6:00 PM; performance begins at 6:30 PM

[Venue] Minami-Aoyama Mandala https://mandala.gr.jp/aoyama/

MR Building B1, 3-2-2 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062

TEL: 03-5474-0411

[Performers]

#Tsugaju Tsuruzawa (Gidayu Shamisen) – Individually Designated Holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure)

#Yumiko Tanaka (Yumi Tsuruzawa) (Gidayu Shamisen) – Designated Holder of a Comprehensive Important Intangible Cultural Property

[Supporting Performer]

#Sansuzu Tsuruzawa (Gidayu Shamisen) – Designated Holder of a Comprehensive Important Intangible Cultural Property

#Takanosuke Takemoto (#Joruri)

[Admission]

Advance: 4,000 yen; At the door: 4,500 yen (plus one drink each)

[Reservations]

https://x.gd/DUn6J (Available in Japanese only）

gidayushamisen.next@gmail.com (You can apply in English.Please write your name, the number of tickets you're requesting, and your contact information.)

[Program]

Experimental Joruri Remix: “The Scene of a Single Fire in the Back Garden” with Rap

(Written by Yumiko Tanaka with AI)

“Sumo Yagura-daiko: Kyokubiki”'(trick playing)

Traditional piece“Kanadehon Chushingura: The Scene at the Back Gate”

Improvisation, Contemporary Music, and more

?Tsugaju and Yumiko Tanaka are sister disciples who studied together under Master Komonosuke Takemoto, a Living National Treasure in the art of female Gidayū narration. Yumiko left the world of classical performing arts partway through her training to pursue a path in experimental music, including contemporary and improvised music. Tsugaju, on the other hand, continued to earnestly follow the path of preserving tradition under her master’s guidance, eventually being designated a Living National Treasure.

Like two streams flowing from the same source, their paths diverged over the years, but their shared passion for the Gidayū shamisen has brought them together once more, and they will now perform together on the same stage for the first time in nearly thirty years. What kind of scene will emerge when these divergent streams converge?—Precisely because the two artists have walked different paths, cultivated distinct artistic styles, and possess different musical sensibilities, there may be a resonance unique to their collaboration. We hope you’ll join us to witness that moment and enjoy it together ?